Battery Charge: Getting off on the right foot

As part of their official partnership with USL PRO side Charleston Battery, Vancouver Whitecaps FC have loaned five players to the South Carolina club, including three from the MLS roster, one from the U-23 roster, and another recent grad from the U-18 program.

Whitecaps FC have an exciting pool of prospects. So every Wednesday, we’re going to catch up with our affiliate club to find out what’s going on with our ‘Caps on loan.

All five players have now arrived in Charleston. Additionally, a pair of ‘Caps draft picks are also with the club on trial.

U-18 Residency grad Jackson Farmer, U-23 Honduran striker Marlon Ramirez, and 2014 Whitecaps FC second round MLS SuperDraft pick Mamadou Diouf (pictured above) and third round pick Michael Kafari (on trial) all arrived at the beginning of March and partook in a match against the NAIA All-Stars on Friday, March 7.

They were later joined by 2012 Whitecaps FC Supplemental Draft pick Adam Mena (on trial). Also going to the Battery are midfielders Aminu Abdallah and Andre Lewis (pictured bottom right), joining Diouf from the ‘Caps MLS roster.

On Tuesday, Lewis and Diouf made their mark in a preseason scrimmage against USL Pro rivals Wilmington Hammerheads. The pair combined on the winning goal, as Lewis crossed in with his left foot for a header finished by Diouf to give the Battery a 1-0 victory. Diouf and Lewis each played 45 minutes, as did Abdallah, Ramirez, and Mena. Farmer and Kafari sat out with minor knocks.

Charleston will open their USL PRO season on Saturday, March 22, hosting future MLS side Orlando City SC who feature former ‘Caps Corey Hertzog and Brad Rusin. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. PT at Blackbaud Stadium, with all matches streamed live on YouTube.